Throne of Leaves

Chapter 16

As the sun rose steadily over the treetops I frown. After a night of over thinking about what I was about to do, my confidence level was rapidly dropping. I sit up and look around. Below me there were the first shift of warriors heading out to relive the night shift. I watch them go and I sigh. There were so many possibilities that could happen. One was that they want me for treason and they will kill me. Another was that they knew why I left and they want me to take up the throne as soon as possible. If the second, I do not think they will trust me to lead just on my word. There is bound to be some who do not trust or accept the majority rule on fining me. In that case, I will have to watch my back. If the first, I would either die a painful death or a quick execution. Either way it would not be my end goal. I could only hope for the first and pray that the elders are free from the queen's control. I never stuck around to see what happened to the Queen or when she left. All that I remember was stabbing her, or what I thought to be her. I rub my face in frustration and jump down from the rafters. I walk up to Aaron and Malki and sit down next to them. They were talking quietly and somberly to each other when I came up. They look over at me and Malki nods to whatever Aaron said previously. Aaron sighed and turned to me.

"malki and I have decided that you should go. There is no reason that the Elders would want you dead. There have been no reports of the Queen working through them, as we have seen. If we have to then we could take the throne by force...Its not ideal but, it could be done. You may be hated and watch your back for a while but in the long run it would be beneficial.." Aaron stated. I shook my head.

"If they go for me, let them. I have nothing to be ashamed for. I understand if I am treated for treason. But I will not take the throne by force. That is something the queen did. I want the people to trust me and believe that we can change the Forest, not be run by a leader who shows force as a way to come to power. I would be giving in. Everything will come into play. " I said softly.

"We might need to use a silvertongue then if we are to convince them, for they would not take our word as just. " Malki said crossing his arms and leaning against the wood. I smile and shake my head.

"No. You two may come with me if you wish but we go willingly and without a show of force. Understand?" I asked them.

They sighed together and nodded.

"We will go. even if it means our lives for yours. But hear us Lord. If they try to harm you then we will not hesitate to attack. " Malki stated with some reserved annoyance. I nodded knowing that I could not change Malki's mind. If Malki was going to do this then it could be no wonder that Aaron would be right in step. I get up and go over to Ash. I place a hand on his shoulder.

"We will be off soon. If I dont come back, then you know where to find me. I will send a note if I am ok." I whispered into his sleeping ear. He shifted slightly in his sleep and I nodded and stand up. I look to my two companions and nod to them. I step lightly over the sleeping warriors. Malki and Aaron join me a few moments later. I nod to them to move forward as I open the door and slip out, sticking to the shadows. With the knowledge that there is a price on my head, I pull my hood over my eyes and stick closer to the walls of the barracks hugging the shadows as if I was their lover. Working my way through the twelve structures I bolted across the branches to the Hall of Leaves, the hall adjacent to the King's Hall. The Elders would be in the Hall of Leaves, that I was sure of. That is where they always meet for their yearly gathering and reports. I sank low sheltering myself from the sunlight as I crept across a very thin branch that separated the large buildings from the ground far below. A fall from this height was be a sure death. I slowly pick my way along the branch very aware of the fall below me and the two people behind me. I slow to a stop there was a side door right besides us in case of a fire or other such tragic incident that could occur. I turned my head and pointed to the door and shrugged to Malki who was directly behind me. He looked at the door, thought for a moment and nodded. I nodded back and opened the door quietly and slowly. Slipping through I made room for the other two before I looked around. We had entered a dark side hall that looked like it had not been used in years. I rolled my eyes and strode down the hall, my feet not making a sound on the soft wood. Malki and Aaron were in step with me. We soon came across another door. I could hear voices coming from behind it. Shrugging I opened it a crack so I could hear better. It was the council of Elders.